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indicated to me that It does not want to eliminate farming In the Frog Pond, 

 it does want to be able to control the water schedules in a manner which 

 could result In flooding for part of the growing season, thus wiping out a 

 portion of the season's crop. 



I do not want to leave any Impression that my sponsorship of this 

 legislation and my strong support for it is in any way Intended to affect the 

 farming activities in the Frog Pond. It is my understanding that discussions 

 are under way between Aerojet, the farmers. Park officials and the Water 

 Management District to work out an agreement which would enable the Park to 

 have the water schedule it needs without depriving the farmers of the extra 

 crop they need to remain economically viable. This agreement will require 

 some compromise on the parts of all concerned but, if achieved, could put to 

 rest once and for all a controversy that has raged for more than a decade. 

 It is my sincere hope that all the parties will go the extra mile necessary 

 in order to make this work. 



Nevertheless, this issue should not impact on or affect In any way 

 the legislation under discussion today. The transfer of the Aerojet lands in 

 this bill and their subsequent sale to the South Florida Water Management 

 District are environmentally sound and will not cost the federal government 

 anything. As a bonus, the proceeds from the sale will provide further 

 environmental protection in the form cf land purchases within the National 

 Wildlife Refuge system in Florida, including the Key Deer National Wildlife 

 Refuge on Big Pine Key. 



Thus, I believe this is a good deal all around and should be 



approved . 



